NDLEA calls for support to fight drug abuse

The Benue state commandant of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Mrs. Mary Ezeonye has called on Chairmen of local government and Traditional rulers to help the agency carry out the fight against drug abuse in the state.

The NDLEA state commandant made the call in a press briefing after the tour of the state yesterday.

The tour, the commandant said, was to sensitise the leaders at the local government level to the dangers of drug abuse to the society.

Mrs. Ezeonye said, “The situation where drug abuse thrives in our communities because such communities are protecting on one hand and collaborating with drug dealers on the other to sometimes attack operatives of the agency on legitimate duties is worrying and has to be stopped for the fight against drugs to be effective”.

She pointed out that, “There is a link between drug abuse and criminal behaviours such as armed robbery, kidnapping and youth’s restiveness among others”.

The state commandant stressed that if the production and consumption of drugs is reduced, crime will automatically reduce in the society.

Mrs. Ezeonye used the briefing which was part of the activities to mark this year’s international day against drug abuse and trafficking to call on parents to always listen to their children.

“Distance from the children and youths by parent create a void in the lives of the young ones which vices like drugs abuse fills and that is frightening,” she said.

According to the Benue state commandant, “listening to children is the first step to help them grow healthier and safe. Parents who do not listen to their children and wards should stop blaming teachers, religious leaders, law enforcement agencies and peer groups for their wards drug indulgence”.

She said it is when parents listen to their children and youths that they can discern their mood, evaluate and judge, support and provide comfort aimed at better behaviours among the young ones.

Mrs. Ezeonye entreated parents to seek professional drug counselling when they discover that their children or youths under them are into drugs.

She commended the Benue state governor, Dr. Samuel Ortom, for inaugurating the state drugs control committee which is headed by the secretary to the state government, Prof. Anthony Ijoho. The committee, she said, is working hard to address all drug and drugs related problems in the state.